Roman Mars serves as the host and producer of 99% Invisible, a groundbreaking radio program that explores design and its influence on our surroundings. Mars is an exceptional keynote speaker for UX Week, paralleling the essence of his show by emphasizing not merely the act of design but understanding its existence in the world and the path it has taken to get there. Our designer, Scott, engaged with Roman to discuss how his perspective on design has transformed since launching 99% Invisible in 2010.
Is 99% Invisible Centered on the Narrative of Design?
Certainly. However, I would say that my approach involves examining the world through a design-oriented narrative. It was intentional that this show resonated with designers right from the start, and I genuinely believe it centers on design. We maintain a comprehensive view of design and utilize that breadth to outline various human stories. The things we create reveal profound insights about our identities, which is fundamentally what the show aims to convey.
Has Your Perspective on Design Changed Over Time?
Absolutely, my understanding has definitely expanded. This evolution is particularly evident with the growth of our team. Initially, it was just myself, but as we brought on more members, our approach has naturally evolved to incorporate a variety of voices. While I had a clear vision in the beginning, which still holds true, we find that we are now even more focused on narrative. In the past, our segments could be brief; within four minutes, I could highlight a concept succinctly. Now, with episodes spanning 25 minutes, the need for engaging characters and compelling stories has become apparent, aligning our content with more narrative-driven elements.
Has Your Knowledge of Design Grown Along with the Show?
Indeed, I’ve gained a lot of insight. One of the great benefits of journalism is the ability to delve deep into a subject for a few weeks, emerging with specialized knowledge to share. I find many aspects of design resonate with common sense—they reveal fundamental principles that help us enhance our surroundings. It’s interesting to note that I can still support much of the earlier content even as I’ve grown intellectually, as I explained those concepts from the perspective of someone new to the field who recognized the inherent logic of good design. This foundation of common sense remains relatively constant.
Personal Insights into Your Background
It’s amusing that you perceived me as a designer. In reality, my academic background is in science, and I often hesitate to define myself as a journalist. I stumbled into this field almost by accident; I’ve always been intrigued by design elements, participating in architecture tours and appreciating intricate details. A pivotal moment came when a college friend introduced me to The Design of Everyday Things, which resonated with me deeply.
Why a Radio Show About Design?
When contemplating the radio show concept, I felt my lack of a strong aesthetic bias made it a fitting endeavor. I don’t easily form opinions about designs; rather, I’m drawn to stories. In this light, producing a design-focused radio show that strips away the visual component felt appropriate. It directs attention to the underlying problem-solving nature of design because effective design operates subtly. Bad design is noticeable while good design often goes unseen, yet it contributes immensely to making our environment more navigable and enjoyable for everyone.
I appreciate that this perspective allows us to engage with design through storytelling rather than solely aesthetic discussions.
Conclusion
This conversation originated as a feature for Roman Mars’ keynote address at UX Week 2017, titled 99% Invisible: Looking Closely at Broken, Ugly, and Exclusionary Design. He is set to return for UX Week 2018, presenting his live podcast keynote 99% Invisible: Design is in the Details. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness his insights and participate in other enriching talks and workshops.
